To whom should zakaat al-fitr be paid?

Men are asking for zakaat al-fitr in the marketplace, and we do not know whether they are religiously committed or not. There are others whose situation is comfortable, and whatever they get of the zakaah they spend on their children. Some of them receive a salary but they are weak in religious commitment. Is it permissible to give them zakaat al-fitr or not?.

Praise be to Allaah.

Zakaat al-fitr should be given to poor Muslims even if they are sinners so long as their sin is not something that puts them beyond the pale of Islam. What is meant by poor is those who appear to be poor, even if they are in fact rich. The one who is paying the zakaah should seek out good poor people as much as possible. If he finds out later that the one who took it was actually rich, that does not affect the one who gave it, rather he has discharged his duty, praise be to Allaah.

And Allaah is the Source of strength.

Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas.

Ruling on one who does not pay zakaat al-fitr although he is able to

What is the ruling on one who can afford to pay zakaat al-fitr but does not pay it?.

Praise be to Allaah.

The one who does not pay zakaat al-fitr has to repent to Allaah and seek His forgiveness, because he is sinning by withholding it. He also has to pay it to those who are entitled to it, but after Eid prayer it is simply regarded as ordinary charity.

And Allaah is the Source of strength.

Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas.